November 7, 2009 – Opening for the hottest band in the world isn’t exactly a task to be taken lightly, and Buckcherry knows it. Fortunately, the five-piece act emerged with a confident swagger and proceeded to deliver to the fans at the Target Center every bit of energy they could muster as the lead-in to KISS. Perhaps it was impossible for the group to not jump and spin in the air while creating their signature, delightfully dirty (yet still clean) sound. The recognizable radio hits and ballads alike had the younger segment of the crowd dancing and singing along with their parents. Bridging the generation gap while still maintaining more than enough raw intensity for today’s trends, Buckcherry was perhaps the perfect band to land such a coveted spot.
Although there are certainly expectations for the band to uphold, Buckcherry thrives equally on the unexpected. From the “James Bond” introduction theme to the insertion of an old Billy Squier song into the rather blunt lyrics of “Crazy Bitch“, there’s more than meets the eye to a performance from this reborn unit. But don’t be fooled – plenty of things do meet the eye rather instantly, and singer Josh Todd’s tattoos are included in that category.
It’s not only Todd’s unique and almost grating voice that makes him a rock sensation, but it’s also his aggressive stage demeanor. Clearing the ground when he wasn’t staring down at his fans, he’s an invaluable addition of excitement to the Buckcherry experience. The rest of the band has the chops and the moves to compete with the best of them – it’s impossible not to notice the fiery personality of guitarist Stevie D. from a mile away (or the nosebleed seats).
And when it came to having the right mix of songs to play, Buckcherry made sure that no stones were left unturned. From the rousing, tambourine-hitting “Tired of You” to the softer strains of “Sorry“, the band kept it interesting. Also included was “Highway Star“, which has also served as the theme for NASCAR’s 2009 racing season – a promotional move that would surely make Gene Simmons proud.
It’s often said that the bands topping the charts today won’t be around for tomorrow, but it would be a wise bet to say that Buckcherry will still be rocking loud and proud for years to come. With a cross-generational following and a stage show that holds its own against the KISS powerhouse, all signals point to continued Buckcherry mayhem.
Just great… love it!!!
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